LEAVE NO ROOM FOR HATE CRIMES IN SL: EU AMBASSADOR
The European Union (EU) on Thursday emphasized the importance of the Sri Lankan Government and the Police ensuring that no room was left for hate crimes in the country.
EU Ambassador to Sri Lanka Tunglaï Margue said it was important that religious communities are at the forefront of efforts to promote understanding and stop hate from spreading against religions.
“Sri Lankans know all too well the consequences of spreading religious and ethnic hatred at a time when national reconciliation and tolerance should be in the forefront of everything one does,” he said.
He expressed these views after visiting the Dewatagaha Mosque in Colombo to meet leaders of the Muslim community.
Apart from the EU Ambassador, the Heads of Missions of Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa and Switzerland together with other diplomatic representatives visited the mosque on Thursday.
The envoys condemned the recent acts of hate aimed at the Muslim community and warned that hate crimes could hurt the solidarity that exists among the diverse communities in Sri Lanka.
Speaking at a news briefing held in the Mosque, Canadian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Shelley Whiting said the right to freedom should be upheld.“it is distressing to witness violent acts such as this taking place especially during the holy month. As a country which is strong and rich in diversity, the people should respect the values each holds,” she said.
Meanwhile, Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Bryce Hutchesson said Australia condemned the violence and acts of hate targeted at Muslims.
“Solidarity among your citizens is threatened by such acts and could lead to disharmony among communities. The government of Sri Lanka should immediately address the situation and work to prevent such actions from taking place in future,” he said.
South African High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Robina Marks said that these actions could reverse peace initiative the government had embarked on and affect national peace.
“We are concerned that the issue will reverse the prevailing peace process in the country. Buddha’s advice about having compassion for one another should be adopted in the country rather than harbouring hatred for minorities,” she said.
The Netherlands Ambassador to Sri Lanka Joanne Doornewaard said they have underlined the minority issues and the government should take immediate steps to prevent attacks on Muslims.
“My presence here is an expression of solidarity. The government should take prompt action to eradicate violence and acts of hate against Muslims. Accordingly the law should be enforced against those who harbour hatred for other communities,” she said.